An Otago-only scheme that gives older people greater control over their home help could be axed by the Southern District Health Board.
The DHB is reviewing a long-running pilot scheme that allows people to employ carers, and budget spending on that over the long-term.
Only 16 people were enrolled at present in the scheme, which is administered by Presbyterian Support Otago.
Presbyterian Support director of services for older people Maurice Burrowes said the scheme was designed for those with high need, who got $400 to $700 a week.
They could employ family members, friends, neighbours, or seek the services of an agency.
Less rigid than other services, the money could be used for a mix of personal care and housework, and a mix of carer type.
People could spend less money in some weeks than others, depending on their activities.
It was surprising the individual funding model was not more widely available, because it was increasingly promoted for those with disabilities under the age of 65, Mr Burrowes said.
In last week's Budget, individualised funding for disabilities was allocated an additional $9.4 million over four years, with the stated aim of increasing people's control over the services they received.
Mr Burrowes said individualised funding, which involved becoming an employer, was not for everyone, but suited those wanting flexibility and autonomy. The scheme could expire in September as part of moves by the DHB to reorganise care in the community for older people.
However, Mr Burrowes understood that if not scrapped, the scheme could be rolled out to a much wider group.
New Zealand Home Health Association chief executive Julie Haggie said individualised funding was one way to prepare for an avalanche of need for which the aged care sector was unprepared.
Increasingly, it was used overseas, including a major roll-out at present in Australia.
It was useful for those in rural areas, who could employ friends and family, which cut petrol costs. Inadequate mileage rates for carers were becoming a major issue for the sector, Ms Haggie said.
Southern District Health Board funding and finance general manager Robert Mackway-Jones said the DHB had signalled previously it was looking to introduce a "restorative" model for home-based support services, and the review of individualised funding was part of that work.
It would not necessarily be scrapped, he said.
